Kieran Read will captain the All Blacks for the first time when they play Italy on Saturday.

Read replaces Richie McCaw, who will be rested. Read is also expected to assume the reins at the Crusaders and All Blacks in 2013 when McCaw takes a six-month sabbatical.

Coach Steve Hansen has made 14 changes to the side that smashed Scotland 51-22 last week. An entirely new pack will start in Rome this weekend, while Julian Savea is the only survivor from the backline that started in Edinburgh.